The state of Alabama has received a $1.5 million grant to help expand a program aimed at strengthening early childhood education across the state.
Governor Kay Ivey’s office says the grant comes from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and will help expand Alabama’s Pre-K through Third Grade Integrated Approach to Early Learning. WSFA-TV reports that program is the first pillar of Ivey’s new education initiative, Strong Start, Strong Finish.
It’s a joint effort between the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, the Alabama State Department of Education and the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools. The goal is to improve student achievement by coordinating effective teaching strategies and helping educators in early elementary school collaborate more.
There are currently eight school systems participating across the state. Those schools have access to early childhood education specialists who will help teachers implement new instructional practices. This new grant will help to increase the number of schools involved in the pilot program.